Introduction

Live braided hibiscus trees are beautiful and unique plants that can add a touch of elegance and color to any garden, balcony, or indoor space. These trees are also referred to as hibiscus topiary or twisted stem hibiscus. If you're interested in planting and caring for this plant, keep reading to learn more about how to plant a live braided hibiscus tree.

Choosing the Right Location

The first thing you need to consider when planting a live braided hibiscus tree is the location. These plants need plenty of sunlight to thrive, so make sure you choose a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight every day. Additionally, hibiscus trees prefer warm temperatures, so avoid planting them in areas that get too chilly.

It's also important to select a spot with good drainage because hibiscus trees don't like standing water. Make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid planting the tree in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding.

Preparing the Soil

Once you've chosen the right location, it's time to prepare the soil. Hibiscus trees prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. You can test the acidity of the soil using a simple soil testing kit that you can buy from any gardening store or online retailer.

If the soil is too alkaline, you can lower the pH level by adding organic compost or peat moss. You can also add fertilizer to give the soil the necessary nutrients that the hibiscus tree needs. Mix the compost, fertilizer, and peat moss with the soil and create a well-rounded spot for the tree to be planted in.

Planting the Live Braided Hibiscus Tree

Now that you've prepared the soil, it's time to plant the live braided hibiscus tree. Start by digging a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and as deep as the container in which the tree is growing. Loosen the roots gently and place the tree in the hole. Make sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface, but do not bury it too deep as the excessive soil can suffocate the tree.

Pack the soil around the roots and water the tree thoroughly. Keep the soil moist but make sure not to overwater it as it can cause root rot. Hibiscus trees don't like wet feet, so water it only when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.

Caring for the Live Braided Hibiscus Tree

Once your live braided hibiscus tree is planted, there are several things you can do to care for it properly. Keep it well-watered and fertilized, but make sure not to overdo it. Over-fertilizing can cause the leaves to turn yellow, and a lack of fertilizer can stunt its growth.

You should also provide the hibiscus tree with regular pruning to improve its shape and encourage it to grow healthily. Spring and summer are the best times to prune the tree, and you should remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.

In conclusion, planting and caring for live braided hibiscus trees is relatively easy as long as you choose the right location, use well-draining soil, and give it the necessary care and attention it needs. With some patience, time and care, you can enjoy the beauty and elegance of this unique plant for years to come.